The rush as the skyline comes into view as you drive over the George Washington Bridge…The incessant din of honking taxis…the nostalgic aroma of roasted chestnuts…the crowds…the lights…there is nothing in the world like the energy of New York City during the holiday season!

New York–Beyond the City–Take a day trip to Mohonk Mountain

If you have never been to New York, you will probably focus all or most of your attention on touring city landmarks, which of course is a life-changing experience, but if you have a day or two to spare, and are the outdoorsy adventurous type, you would definitely enjoy a day hiking or rock scrambling at Mohonk Mountain. It is located on the Shawangunk Ridge, in the Hudson Valley, a section of the Appalachian Mountains, 90 miles north of New York City.

Being a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, Mohonk is like a second home to me. Living near Chicago now, we still return to New York a few times a year and I make certain that we always make time for a day of hiking and climbing. There are 85 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views of Mohonk Lake and the Catskills. If you are a mountain climber, this is the place for you. Over 50,000 climbers visit here each year to challenge themselves with the 1000+ climbing routes. We are not climbers so we typically just pack a picnic lunch, tackle the rock scramble,,which takes a few hours for us to accomplish, and enjoy lunch atop the mountain. The list of outdoor activities is abundant: horsebacking riding kayaking, canoeing, golfing, etc.

If you have a night or two to spare, a stay at the award winning victorian castle resort, Mohonk Mountain House, is a must. Here you will experience the true feeling of an upstate New York retreat.

So, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City, rent a car and head to Mohonk. The beauty and serenity of the East Coast wilderness will be the perfect contrast to your urban vacation.